Recently, the Florida state senate passed new legislation concerning gun control in efforts to prevent another shooting such as the one occurring at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last month.
This new legislation involves raising the age restrictions from 18 to 21 on purchasing firearms, banning all bump stocks and creating a waiting period to buy all guns, including shotguns, pistols, and rifles. It also provides $400 million dollars to schools for increased measures such as bulletproof glass, increased security and metal detectors.
The legislation would also create more funding for mental health, which has been a major topic since the Parkland shooting. President Trump immediately cited mental illness as a major problem, especially with the Parkland shooter, so many believe mental health should be a new focus for legislation. Right now, there is approximately 1 school psychologist per 2,000 students. The National Association of School Psychologists recommends that there should be four for every 2,000 students.
Senator Rene Garcia proposed another amendment dealing with the idea that schools should arm some teachers, which has been shown to be very controversial, even though the Florida governor, Rick Scott, has openly shown disapproval. The system for arming teachers would work as an “opt-in” program.
Under this amendment, teachers would only be armed if the school district decided not to take part in the ‘school marshal’ program. If the school district deemed necessary, other school staff would be able to carry firearms.
“The goal is to make sure that those instructional personnel that are in the classroom cannot participate in the program,” Senator Rene Garcia said. “This is an opt-in program … It’s dependent on the school district and the sheriff to determine if it participates in the program.”
Several members of congress are opposed to different parts of this bill. Republicans are against raising the age limit and creating a waiting period for purchasing firearms, and Democrats are against arming any teachers.
